When you want the best binocular for marine or astronomy use, nothing surpasses the Fujinon Polaris FMT-SX. Fujinon applies special anti-reflection coatings to achieve the outstanding light transmission important for sharp details when viewing at a distance. Protected with waterproofing and fogproofing, this binocular is highly valued by boaters and astronomers. Fujinon covers this binocular with a limited lifetime warranty.

I bought these for stargazing and was impressed. Pinpoint stars on a wide flat field that was sharp to the edge. I could find CA only if I looked for it. They are huge and chunky but they balanced well and were easy to hold steady (easier than my lighter roofs). I compared them side by side w/ some Asahi Pentax 7x50 Wp's and there was no comparison - the Fujinons were superior in every way. I also had my old Nikon Premier LX 8x32's and a new pair of Zeiss Conquest HD 10x42's to compare. They were brighter than the 32mm Nikons but not significantly brighter than the 42mm Zeiss. Under fairly dark skies I really couldn't see any more or less with the Fujinons than I could with the Zeiss - whether looking at a faint nebula or splitting a double star. To my eyes, the optical sharpness was excellent, but the Fujinons seemed to just lack the crisp 'pop' that the Zeiss and Nikon's had during terrestrial viewing. Bottom line, I'm keeping the Zeiss and sending back the Fujinons. I realized I would never carry the huge Fujinons on a hike or use them for terrestrial viewing. The lack of close focus was a deal breaker. Furthermore, I realized I like to fiddle with the focus knob and could never adjust to IF (just never really felt I had it dialed in, even when I did). With all that said, I do wholeheartedly recommend them for Astronomy - but only Astronomy. I just want a little more versatility. It's not you Fujinon, it's me...

Breathtaking views of the night sky
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09/16/2013

by
Ed from California

There isn't much more I can say about these incredible instruments that's hasn't been said already, but views of the night sky through these are unlike any other bino at this price. With a afov a bit wider than the 65-degree specified, you get sharp, pinpoint stars nearly to the edge of the field, and beautiful color transmission. Rugged and waterproof, they'll hold up well for as long as you need them to. The 10x50s are the heroes of the Fujinon binocular line.

I had a question about my order and Eagle Optics went the extra mile to help me out. I appreciated the prompt and friendly response I got, so thanks to the EO staff.

Perfect for Astronomy
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01/23/2013

by
Joe from Washington, DC

As an avid birder for many years, I have come to own several pairs of binoculars. Taking up astronomy a few months ago, I found something lacking when using even "premier" roof prisms for stargazing. After doing considerable research, I settled on the Fujinon 10x50, and have been extremely satisfied. Stars are pinpoint-sharp and the optical field is sharp and flat to the very edge - comparable to the Swarovision view for a quarter of the price. The field is amazingly wide, topping any of the other 10x binoculars on the market. The brightness (essential for seeing galaxies and nebulae) is exceptional - reflecting wider objectives, superior coatings, and the optical advantage of the porro prism design which has, unfortunately, all but disappeared from birding. These are big, "dorky" bins, but they fit well in the hand and are exceptionally well balanced. The lack of a center focus makes these binoculars awkward for most birding (scanning the horizon for hawks or seabirds one exception) but is ideal for astronomy since it allows one to "set and forget" and then simply concentrate on ensuring one's eyes are fully relaxed. Mounted on a tripod, these binoculars may end up being used more than my telescope, simply for the ease of use and clarity.

Great for astronomy
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09/15/2012

by
SV from St. Petersburg, FL

I use these for astronomy and love them. They work well hand held but you will see more details observing if the are completely still and mounted. This is the second pair that I've purchased. I took them on vacation and shared them with my brother while we were stargazing. He had never looked through fine binoculars before and asked to have mine. That experience made his own completely unsatisfactory. These will spoil you. For the price they are probably the finest in their class.

Excellent
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08/16/2011

by
David from Northern Virginia

After much research online, I decided to purchase this binocular. These are very well made, have excellent optics, and are great in low light settings. I am very happy with them. I use them mostly for viewing the night sky.

A Value Heavyweight!
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11/29/2009

by
A. Green from Mount Kisco, NY

I bought this binocular to conduct hawk census, and after putting them through their daily paces for over three months, I'm glad I did! I can't recommend them as a general birding binocular; they are simply too unwieldy for that. But if you are doing distance work from a single location (e.g., point counts from an observation platform or viewing from the deck of a boat) and want something you can "set and forget," you'll be hard-pressed to find anything better. The brightness and clarity of this binocular competes favorably with all but the very best Zeiss and Leica binoculars. The Fujinon also offers a generous FOV for a 10 power, and the depth of field is possibly the best of any binocular I've tried. (Accordingly, the "3D" feel to the image is also superior to other good porros I've tried, and I almost get vertigo from scanning too quickly over the landscape.) This binocular accepts standard tripod adapters and the oculars can be fitted with optional polarizing and nebula filters. Simply great!